Locally sourced cheese is always preferable to moon cheese, which was found to have dangerously high levels of Buzz Aldrin's brain waves. Enjoy a fresh, earthbound meal with today's Groupon: for $20, you get $40 worth of new American fare at Michael's Southshore Restaurant, located on 11705 Fox Road.

Michael’s menus, which are brimming with elegantly updated American flavors, shift with the seasons to incorporate locally grown goods. The gourmet dishes are meant to be enjoyed with all the senses, and Michael's staunch no-smoking policy helps limit airborne odors to those savory bouquets wafting from the kitchen. Pork lovers might be enticed into a double-dose with the starter dish of Indiana sliders topped with chili sauce and fontina cheese, followed by the slow-roasted ribs entree, which comes smothered in zippy barbecue sauce. Or, diners can opt for a simpler combo by pairing the creamy chicken corn chowder with a salad, pizza, burger, or crisp panini. Dessert introduces dangerously sugary selections, including bananas wonton foster and hot-fudge drizzled Tollhouse pie. For the dieting diner, the mojito berry compote that garnishes the rum-glazed bundt cake should fulfill that final fruit serving of the day.

Michael’s spacious interior, which is divided into multiple dining areas, is as elegantly presented as its dishes. Gaze at frosted glass, a fireplace, and brushed steel tables, or contemplate getting a hat big enough to fill the space between your head and the lofty ceilings. Michael’s has HDTVs for watching sports, and its family-friendly vibe means even the stubbornest wee ones will find a friendly face at which to make faces.

Reviews

One-hundred percent of Urbanspooners recommend Michael’s Southshore Restaurant, and four Yelpers give it a five-star average:

• Michael's somehow pulls off an intimate, contemporary, atmosphere while being totally family friendly! Will definitely be going back soon to work our way through the enticing menu! – kane2828, Urbanspoon
• The menu is creative with choices for both comfort food lovers and those that want to eat AND enjoy really healthy food. There are so many appetizers, salads and entrees we have tried and all were fantastic. – Roberta R., Yelp